Nazareth wins drama-filled Trotting Derby

In a race full of drama, Nazareth (Love You) handled by Tim Williams showing the patience of Job, got up to take out the Group One $100,000 Livamol New Zealand Trotting Derby on harness racing’s big day (Dec. 4) at Addington.

Most of the favourites made mistakes at different points of the 2600 metre journey while Nazareth stayed in his gait and stormed down the outside to beat Mystic Max (Village Mystic) by a head with favourite Highgrove (Love You) two and a half lengths back in third.

Nazareth’s time of 3-13.4 was a new New Zealand record for Three Year Old Colts and Geldings. The previous record of 3-13.9 was held by Marcoola.

“It was a great race wasn’t it. He’s gone from being an average maiden to winning the Trotting Derby in next to no time. He was struggling with his gait, and he got a terrible virus like some of our team got two months ago,” said Robert Dunn who trains the three year old with his daughter-in-law Jenna.

Nazareth was driven by regular pilot Tim Williams.

“Just when the speed went on a bit down the back straight, he got a wee bit flat-footed at the 800m. He’s one of those horses you need to keep on their feet and in a good rhythm. It’s a credit to the horse because when they went down the back again, he picked up the bit and went super,” he said.

NAZARETH REPLAY

Dunn was quick to praise Williams.

“Tim’s a great driver. Someone told me he was a bit emotional after. He’s grown up with my family, Tim and Dexter (Dunn) have been the best of buddies. Dexter’s mum Rose nicknamed him Turtle when he was two so there’s a bit of history there. I thought Highgrove was just about going to win it, and I thought Nazareth was dropping off, but typical old Turtle, like his nickname, he was just a bit slow to get going,” Robert said with laughter.

Williams was also quick to acknowledge the part the Dunn family paid in him winning his first Derby.

“Obviously the Dunns have been fantastic to me for a long time, so to repay them in RJ’s colours was a massive thrill,” he said.

It was also Robert’s first win in the Trotting Derby.

Nazareth has some well known owners including Roddy Butt, Bob Masefield, Trackside’s Mary-Ann Twentyman, her brother Mark O’Donnell, Craig Neiman, Ollie Ryan and Greg and Lee Ayers.

“There’s a few West Coasters in this horse. That’s where I was born.”

The other Dunn runner and favourite Highgrove put up a big effort in running third after breaking early in the Derby.

“Highgrove went phenomenal. The second line draw just killed his chances and he probably needs the front line,” Dunn said.

For complete Grand Prix Day results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart for Harnesslink